In order to control more reckless ATV riders, the state of Maine has enacted an extensive list of laws and regulations governing all ATV use within state boundaries. This is an example of what the sport can look forward to if we don't all take steps to govern ourselves first. For a complete listing of these laws please visit the maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife website at: https://www.state.me.us/ifw/index.html. It's a real eye opener.
Here, we'll give you a highlight of the ATV shoulds and shouldn'ts while riding the ATV trails in Maine.
All ATV riders should:
* Obtain permission before riding on private property.
* Show respect for the private property you have permission to ride on and take the utmost care not to cause any property damage with your ATV.
* Join a local ATV club if one is available in your area.
* Take an ATV education course and pass the knowledge along to other ATV riders.
* Become involved in ATV trail clean up and maintenance projects.
* Stay on designated ATV trails. Riding in off trail areas may result in loss of riding priviledges for that property.
* Avoid operating ATVs when trails conditions might cause excessive damage and erosion. Highly muddy conditions would be one example.
All ATV riders should not:
* Operate an ATV on a snowmobile trail without express permission from the landowner.
* Operate an ATV on private property without permission.
* Operate an ATV near railroad tracks.
* Operate an ATV within 200 feet of hospitals, nursing homes, churches and homes.
* Operate ATVs in the following places:
cemeteries
sand dunes
beaches
salt marshes
intertidal zones
fresh water bogs
crop lands
pastures
tree plantations
So remember, if you don't ride responsibly, our sport could be choked with rules and regulations until it's no longer a sport at all.
